Koz revisits the 1960s and '70s, a heyday for horns, paying tribute to such artists as Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago, Sly and The Family Stone and Blood Sweat and Tears. Joining him in this sassy romp are fellow saxophonists Richard Elliot, Mindi Abair and Gerald Albright. Robust arrangements by such stalwarts as legendary horn player Tom Scott and TOP's Greg Adams put the album on solid footing. "25 Or 6 To 4" packs a wallop. "Hot Fun In The Summertime" is a finger-popper. "So Very Hard to Go" features guest vocalist Michael McDonald. Jeffrey Osbourne adds to the soul of "God Bless The Child." And "I Got You (I Feel Good)," the James Brown classic, proves to be a funk-filled fun fest here. Koz and friends play Saratoga's Montalvo Arts Center on Friday. davekoz.com

Jann Klose -- "Mosaic"

Born in Germany, raised in Africa and, for the past decade, based in the Bronx, Klose has assembled an outstanding collection of songs for his latest album, "Mosaic." He recreated some of Tim Buckley's vocal parts for new biopic "Greetings From Tim Buckley." That's an indication of how spectacular Klose's voice is. And Buckley's sublime "Song To A Siren" closes this record beautifully. The a cappella performance mesmerizes. But singer-songwriter Klose shows he can create diverse new tunes that rival those of such masters as Buckley. His songs offer hard-to-resist energy, memorable melodies and intelligent, well-crafted lyrics. "Falling Tears" leaves an indelible impression. The timely opener, "Make It Better," surges with relevant themes. "Know What's Right" is another wake-up call for listeners. There's a bit of joyful jauntiness to "Four Leaf Clover." "Still" echoes with an aching sense of yearning. Another pinnacle comes with "Beautiful One," Klose's divine duet with Carrie Newcomer. He plays Berkeley's Monkey House Theater on Aug. 30. jannklose.com

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Laura Mvula -- "Sing To The Moon"

The British artist Laura Mvula makes a stunning, beautifully produced debut with "Sing To The Moon." There's an epic quality to her soaring sound. Her riveting voice reflects a hint of Nina Simone, though Mvula's sensibilities are more soul and pop than jazz. On numbers such as "Like The Morning Dew," the lush arrangements also call to mind Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks at their most wondrously intricate. Rich harmonies and orchestration enhance the many moods at play here. Her producer/co-writer Scott Brown maximizes the impact of each tune. Moments on this diverse, emotion-packed album are truly awe-inspiring. She'll be playing Yoshi's in San Francisco on Sept. 15. www.lauramvula.com

Yellowjackets -- "A Rise In The Road"

Though The Yellowjackets have been on the scene for 32 years, their jazz sound is still fresh and engaging. Even with bassist Jimmy Haslip having stepped away, the band hasn't missed a beat. That core contribution is ably handled now by Felix Pastorius, son of fusion favorite Jaco Pastorius. Half of the 10 dynamic compositions on "A Rise In The Road" were written by keyboardist Russell Ferrante, four by saxophonist Bob Mintzer and one by drummer William Kennedy. There's a live feel to the tracks. Award-winning guest trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire plays on three numbers. Among the memorable tunes are "When The Lady Dances," "Thank You" and "(You'll Know) When It's Time." There are funk, soul and bluesy flavors. www.yellowjackets.com

Legs -- "Pass The Ringo"

Oakland-based indie band Legs makes low-fi sunshine pop that's simply irresistible. "Pass The Ringo" brims with breezy, melodic gems such as "Time To Face The World," "Cast In Shadows" and "Friday Afternoon At The Zoo." As Legs' catchy songs shimmer and jangle, you won't be able to keep your toes from tapping. www.facebook.com/pages/Legs

Rabbit Quinn -- "Lost Children"

San Francisco-based, Saratoga-raised indie singer-songwriter-pianist Rabbit Quinn dazzles with her hauntingly beautiful debut album. Gorgeous melodies, literate lyrics, sumptuous piano passages and exquisite, often astonishing vocals combine to create drama and poignancy. Listeners may detect traces of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple, but Quinn establishes her own impressive, eloquent style. Classical and theatrical elements emerge, in addition to a wide palette of pop. Each of the 11 tracks here is a glittering gem. Quinn returns to Mountain View's Red Rock Coffee on Aug. 2, then performs at Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Theater on Aug. 17 as part of the TheatreWorks New Works Festival. www.rabbitquinn.com

Denny Berthiaume and Jeff Buenz -- "The Bad and The Beautiful"

The Bay Area jazz duo returns with its second elegantly performed album. Pianist Berthiaume (who taught at Foothill College) and guitarist Buenz (who taught at DeAnza College and worked as a certified music practitioner at Stanford Hospital) have developed a marvelous, intuitive interplay. There are 14 enchanting tracks on the new release. Among the high points are wistful renditions of "You Taught My Heart To Sing" and "I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face," as well as the lovely title track and the lively, jazzy Brazilian-flavored "Piranha." dennyberthiaume.com or jeffbuenz.com

Laura Ainsworth -- "Necessary Evil"

The Dallas-based jazz singer, daughter of big band saxophonist/clarinetist Billy Ainsworth, serves up a scintillating set. Laura Ainsworth's vocals are pleasingly persuasive. She convincingly conveys every lyric. Her phrasing is nuanced and meaningful. Highly skilled musicians bring to life winningly arranged tunes. Among the highlights are the saucy "Just Give Me A Man" and a smoothly swinging "Hooray For Love." www.lauraainsworthcom

Michael Martin Murphey -- "Red River Drifter"

Texas native Michael Martin Murphy has dedicated himself to preserving traditional cowboy music. But this new album showcases his gifts for writing sublime, original Americana tunes. With fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar providing buoyant backing, Murphy's high, lonesome tenor wends its way through artfully shaped country compositions. "Rolling Sky" is appealingly lilting western swing. The closing number, "Unfinished Symphony," is a delicate charmer. His songs are as welcoming as a warm, prairie breeze. Murphy plays Berkeley's Freight and Salvage on Aug. 4. michaelmartinmurphey.com

Molly Ringwald -- "Except Sometimes"

Surprise! Molly Ringwald, the teen acting icon of the '80s John Hughes comedies is no dilettante when it comes to vocalizing. She knows the music of earlier eras. Her father is noted jazz pianist Bob Ringwald. She demonstrates an agile voice. Among the engaging numbers are a tender "I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)," a heartfelt "The Very Thought of You" and a gentle "I'll Take Romance." Her rendition of "Where Is Love," from "Oliver!" is sweet and subtle. One track in particular earns a double-take. That's Ringwald's transformation of the Simple Minds' No. 1 hit, "Don't You (Forget About Me"), from "The Breakfast Club." She makes it sound as if it had just been plucked from the Great American Songbook. The album is a captivating excursion. www.iammollyringwald.com

Paris Combo -- "5"

Subtle, sophisticated and seductive, Paris Combo is back with its first album in several years, the fifth studio recording. It's titled simply "5." Charming lead vocalist Belle du Berry and the zestful quintet breeze through a winning collection of tunes brightened by alt-pop, jazz, cabaret and world colors. The group makes music that's romantic and bubbly. pariscombo.com